[Updated] If you want to get an external microphone to go with your iOS device, which one do you get? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.

In the world of iOS devices—iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad—there are three possible ways to capture sound for audio recording: The dock, headphone+mic port, and built-in microphone. Not every device has all three (especially the earliest generations of iOS devices). Plus, microphones that “fit” into the same 30-pin dock may or may not work. It’s a compability thing. All—and I mean all—your compatibility confusion is cleared up here.

First, identify the model of your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. I present them here based on when they were manufactured (early—pre-iPad era, middle, and most recent—late 2012-2013).

After you find your model, look immediately below for a table showing what equipment is compatible with that model.

But first, a bit of long story short conclusions about microphones for the iOS ecosystem:

If you have an iPhone or an iPad, you have all 3 methods to capture audio—built-in microphone, the headphone+mic port, and a mic that works in the Dock.

If you have the earliest iPod Touches (1st and 2nd generation), you have ONE and only ONE option for capturing audio sound: a microphone that fits into the 30-pin Dock.

A major dividing line divides earlier and later iOS devices for microphones that fit the 30-pin dock. Earlier (2007-2009, pre-iPad era) are compatible only with Blue Mikey for iPod microphone. iPad-era devices (2010 and later) have different electronics and require different microphones. There are multiple microphones for these iOS devices.

Early iPhone and iPod Touch: 2007 – 2009

The earliest phase of iPhone and iPod Touch. When these were introduced, the operating system was referred to as iPhone OS.

Compatibility of early iPhones, iPod Touches for getting sound in for audio recording

2007-2009

30-pin Dock

Headphone+Mic

Built-in Mic

2007

iPhone

✔

✔

✔

2008

iPhone 3

2009

iPhone 3GS

2007

iPod Touch*

✔

✖

✖

2008

iPod Touch 2G*

2009

iPod Touch 3G

✔

Important note: If you have the original iPod Touch or the iPod Touch 2G, the only way you can get audio into your device is using a 30-pin microphone. Every other device has more than one option.

Not sure which device you have? Apple has detailed guides to identify your iPhone, iPod, iPad.

Two microphones that plug into the Headphone+mic port.
The Edutige EIM-001 amplifies the audio signal, and the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast includes a headphone port on the microphone capsule so that you can preview the audio before and/or during your recording.

Newest iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

These latest model-type of iOS devices were introduced in late 2012, and continue into 2013. The major change: After 10 years of the 30-pin dock, these have a smaller, slimmer port and plug: Lightning.

Here, shown to scale, are the microphones with the iPad mini, iPad, and iPhone. Mics are both 30-pin plus adapter, and the kind that plugs into the Headphone+Mic port of the iOS devices.

Did you find this guide useful? Did it clarify anything for you? If you plan to purchase a microphone, please use my affiliate links to do so. You pay the same purchase price, and I receive a little monetary love as thanks for the hours and hours I spent compiling this guide. Win-win!

Equipment links in this entry are affiliate links. I have personally purchased and use the TASCAM iM2 and the Edutige EIM-001. No one has paid me to recommend those products.

This site and this page are not affiliated in any way with Apple Inc. iPhone iPad, iPod Touch and iPad Mini and all other Apple product names are trademarks/registered trademarks of Apple Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Well, I have an iPhone 5, and I am able to get audio into it using one of the 30-pin microphones and the Lightning adapter plug as outlined above. (The mic is the Tascam iM2, as I mention above in my “what I’ve personally purchased” disclaimer at the end of the article.)

I just checked the RØDE FAQ about this matter, and they state that my solution (microphone + Lightning adapter plug) works for both the iPhone 5s as well as the iPhone 5.

You truly a gentleman and a scholar. This was done very nicely and I can appreciate the effort that went into this. I am building an oral history system for our library. This was my first choice as the system can fit into a briefcase. Thank you for sharing.
best, dan

susan, please excuse my assumption the this was written by a man.. I’ll restate my comment now. “You are truly a meticulous person and a true scholar”

Your name sounds very familiar. Did you serve any time in the film industry around LA? I’ve been in entertainment technology for the last 30+ years. I can’t remember where I may have heard you name but you do sound familiar.

best, dan dipaola

Did you work with Lynda W.? In another life I was part of the Fractal team .. painter, poser, dabbler, etc etc

Dan, I’ve already sent you a “Hey! I recognize your name!” email with more identifying deets (such as home towns) and yes, we go way back to the computer graphics days in the greater Los Angeles area. Former MetaCretin here; we met in the days of Kai’s Power Tools and Bryce.

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Family Stories. Everyone has 'em.

They tell where you come from. They hold secrets to who you are. This site explores how to use digital tools and media to record and preserve spoken memories of family members. Your host: Susan A. Kitchens (I got into this by talking to my grandpa; at the time he was 99 years old.)